‘Dog Day Morning’ to help shelters
 By LIM CHIA YING
Metro, 3 Oct 2005

DOG owners had a fun time out with their pets last Saturday morning at a casual family outing themed “A Dog Day Morning” aimed at raising funds. 

The well-landscaped lawn of Picture This & That Gallery in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, was the perfect setting for the dogs to play and bond with their owners. 

As early as 9am, several families were seen bringing in their pooches, some of which were wearing colourful apparel. 

All dressed up, a pooch tackling an obstacle course set up by Pet-n-You.

There were also the less showy but equally adorable dogs, ranging from English Cocker Spaniels to German Shepherds. 

The event, brought together by animal lovers Vanaja Dhanan and Loke Poh Lin, was to help raise funds for SPCA and PAWS in a refreshing way that encouraged dog owners to come out with their pets. 

Food and drinks stalls were set up and several sponsors like Nutrigen, GlaxoSmithKline and Dunkin Donuts came forward to play their part for charity.  

According to Vanaja, proceeds raised from food donations by the sponsors would be divided between the two organisations, while 30% of the proceeds from food donated by individual volunteers would go towards the cause. 

Earlier, dog owners had also made generous contributions by registering their dogs for RM5 in exchange for a yellow ribbon to tie onto the leash. 

“It’s all part of the fun to help raise money,” said Vanaja.  

While some dogs settled in well in the new environment, others appeared restless and pranced around nervously behind their owners. 

“Some dogs are not used to going out and meeting other dogs, so it’s natural they take time to relax and adapt themselves,” said Vanaja.  

An SPCA volunteer giving a dog a little pampering.

 

 

 

 

 

 

While background music added to the atmosphere, the crowd was also entertained by Pet-n-You, a company that specialises in dog obedience and agility training. 

Children enjoyed themselves thoroughly as they had the opportunity to participate in games together with their pet dogs, and listen to stories told by Vanaja, who is the author of BenO Comes Home. 

Vanaja then brought the real BenO to the venue, much to the delight of the crowd. 

Later, veterinarian Dr Jon S. Satya-moorthy gave a brief introduction to the Malaysian Association for Respon-sible Pet Ownership. 

“The association is new and currently being registered. Once registered, it will represent all dog owners, even the disabled.  

“We want to teach owners how to cater to and meet their dogs' needs,” he said. 

Devindran Ramanathan and his wife, Angeline, felt it was a good outing that enabled them to meet and socialise with other dog owners.  

Accompanying them were their year-old German Shepherd, Ozzy, and six-year-old Cocker Spaniel, Charly.  

“Ozzy was especially nervous when we were driving here this morning and we were surprised that he settled down well after arriving.  

“It’s a good way for dogs to mingle while getting accustomed to a different environment,” said Devindran.